Hamas has responded to a recent US-proposed ceasefire deal, claiming it seeks amendments rather than outright rejection. The proposal includes a 60-day ceasefire, but Hamas demands guarantees for a permanent ceasefire, the withdrawal of Israeli troops, and the resumption of humanitarian aid. US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff deemed Hamas's response "totally unacceptable," asserting it hinders progress towards peace. Amid ongoing violence, with over 54,000 Palestinians reported killed since October 2023, the humanitarian situation in Gaza has reached critical levels, prompting urgent calls for a resolution.
Two senior U.S. senators, Lindsey Graham and Richard Blumenthal, have issued a warning regarding Russian President Vladimir Putin's intentions, claiming he is stalling peace negotiations while preparing for a new military offensive in Ukraine. Following meetings with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and French President Emmanuel Macron, the senators emphasized the urgency of swift sanctions against Russia. They highlighted the devastating impact of the war on Ukraine and the necessity of bipartisan support for a sanctions bill aimed at crippling the Kremlin's war economy. The senators expressed concerns that failure to act could lead to deeper U.S. involvement in the conflict.
On June 1, 2025, at least 31 Palestinians were killed and over 200 injured when Israeli forces opened fire on crowds gathered at aid distribution points in Rafah, Gaza. The incident occurred as civilians were attempting to receive food from the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a controversial organization backed by the U.S. and Israel. Eyewitnesses reported that the gunfire came from tanks and drones, while the Israeli military denied targeting civilians, claiming it was unaware of any injuries. The GHF also dismissed the reports as false, leading to escalating tensions and calls for accountability amid the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
On Sunday, Ukraine launched a significant drone attack targeting multiple Russian airbases across five regions, marking one of its largest operations to date. The strikes resulted in several Russian military aircraft catching fire, with reports indicating that over 40 planes were damaged. This operation, dubbed 'Spider Web,' was reportedly in the planning stages for over a year and involved drones being transported deep into Russian territory. In retaliation, Russia confirmed drone attacks on Ukrainian military sites, resulting in casualties. The escalating violence comes ahead of anticipated cease-fire negotiations between the two nations.
During the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth labeled China as a "real and potentially imminent" threat, particularly regarding Taiwan. In response, China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned Hegseth's remarks, accusing him of promoting a "Cold War mentality" and vilifying Beijing with defamatory allegations. The Chinese government emphasized that Taiwan is an internal matter and warned the U.S. against using it as leverage. Tensions between the two nations have escalated amid ongoing trade disputes and military posturing in the South China Sea, with both sides accusing each other of destabilizing the region.
The United States has submitted a proposal for a nuclear deal to Iran amid rising tensions over Tehran's increasing stockpile of enriched uranium. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed that he received the proposal during a meeting with Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi, who is mediating the talks. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) recently reported that Iran now possesses over 400 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60%, a level close to weapons-grade. While Iran insists its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes, the IAEA has expressed serious concerns about its lack of cooperation and transparency.
In a significant escalation of hostilities, Ukraine has reportedly destroyed over 40 Russian military aircraft in a drone attack deep within Russian territory, specifically targeting airfields in the Irkutsk region. This operation, which took over a year to plan and was overseen by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, coincides with the announcement of upcoming peace talks in Istanbul. Meanwhile, Russia launched its largest drone assault on Ukraine to date, killing at least 12 Ukrainian soldiers. The two nations are set to engage in negotiations aimed at establishing a ceasefire and addressing key issues surrounding the ongoing conflict.
Oscar Piastri claimed victory at the Spanish Grand Prix, securing his fifth win of the season and extending his championship lead over teammate Lando Norris, who finished second. The race featured a notable incident involving Max Verstappen, who was demoted from fifth to tenth after receiving a 10-second penalty for colliding with George Russell late in the race. Ferrari's Charles Leclerc took third place after overtaking Verstappen in the final laps. Piastri's win marks McLaren's seventh victory in nine races, highlighting the team's dominance in the current season.
In a significant escalation of the ongoing conflict, Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) launched a coordinated drone attack on multiple Russian military airbases, reportedly destroying over 40 aircraft. The operation, dubbed "Spiderweb," targeted strategic bombers located as far as 4,300 kilometers from Ukraine's border. The strikes occurred in regions including Murmansk and Irkutsk, utilizing drones allegedly launched from trucks parked at petrol stations. While the Russian Defense Ministry acknowledged some damage, no casualties were reported. This unprecedented operation comes just ahead of peace talks in Istanbul, amidst heightened military activity from both sides.
On June 1, 2025, Ukraine launched a significant drone attack targeting over 40 Russian military bombers at airfields deep within Russian territory, including the Belaya airbase in Irkutsk, approximately 2,500 miles from Ukraine. Codenamed "Operation Spiderweb," the operation took more than 18 months to plan and was reportedly overseen by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) smuggled drones concealed in mobile wooden cabins, which were launched remotely during the attack. This unprecedented strike coincided with escalating tensions as both nations prepared for peace talks in Istanbul.
